Vim & Vigor - Winter 2011 - Parrish Medical Center - (Page 37)

VIDeo Kids aren’t the only ones who need booster shots. Go to parrishmed.com/vimandvigoronline to watch a video with facts and statistics about flu season, ways to prevent the flu, and who most needs a flu shot. Are You Up-to-Date on Immunizations? Are You at High Risk? In Your The typical recommended ages for screenings come with a caveat: unless at high risk. If you’re at risk for a particular disease, the age at which you should be screened lowers. How do you know whether you’re at high risk? “Different things put you at high risk for different conditions,” says Laura Knobel, M.D., a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians’ board of directors. For example, those who have multiple sexual partners are at higher risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. Being obese or a smoker, or both, makes your risk high for diabetes and heart disease, she says. Also, women who have close relatives who have been diagnosed with any number of cancers (including breast and ovarian) are at increased risk. When dealing with cervical cancer, on the other hand, family history doesn’t matter, which is why Pap tests are so crucial. “There’s a 10-year rule for cancers,” Dr. Knobel says. “Start screening 10 years younger than the age the relative was diagnosed.” If you’re at high risk for a particular disease, speak with your doctor about getting screened early. Vim & Vigor • WI NTER 2011 60s Focus on: Planning for the future and continuing your healthy ways. Stay-healthy strategies: “This is a good time to start thinking about end-of-life decisions,” Nelson says. “Ask yourself, ‘How would I like to live?’ ” Make a plan early that you and your spouse agree to. It’s never too late to start exercising. No matter what age you start, you get the benefits, Nelson says. Just be sure to clear any new regimen with your doctor first. Screenings to schedule: Good news! If you’re over 65 and your previous Pap tests were normal or you’ve had a hysterectomy (unrelated to cancer), you can cross these off your list. Instead, focus on getting a bone density screening at 65 and every two years after that. Continue getting mammograms after 65 (every one to two years), diabetes testing (every three years), blood pressure checks (every year) and cholesterol screenings (every three to five years). Also, ask if you need a shingles vaccine (at age 60) and a pneumonia shot (at age 65). Colonoscopies are recommended every 10 years, so you’re due again. DIY: Keep your mind sharp by trying something new, whether it’s enrolling in a class or taking on a new hobby. photography by getty images 37 http://www.parrishmed.com/vimandvigoronline

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Winter 2011 - Parrish Medical Center

Vim & Vigor - Winter 2011 - Parrish Medical Center
Contents
Tasty Tips
Opening Thoughts
Community Calendar
Delegation of Authority
Back in Action
Supplementary Knowledge
Keys to Survival
Clearing the Air
Mark Harmon of NCIS fame makes 60 look good
This One’s for the Girls
Life After a Loss
Do Your Diabetes Homework
Healthy Returns
Making Time
Exercise Disguised as Fun
Community Health: Sleep apnea
Foundation Focus: Gifts make a difference
Ask the Expert: Rotator cuff tears and tendinitis

Vim & Vigor - Winter 2011 - Parrish Medical Center